vrijdag 27 december 2013

Director Subhashish Bhutiani's short film 'Kush' based on the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom has been short listed for nominations in the best live action film category at the 86th Academy Awards.

The movie, 'Kush' is a story revolving around a 10-year-old kid who went on a school picnic when anti Sikh riot broke after which a teacher tries to save that Sikh child.

22-year-old young director Subhashish Bhutiani made this short film as a submission at New York School of Visual Arts.The film won him recognition at the 70th Venice Film Festival, South Asian Film Festival and Hamton's International Film Festival. It was the only Indian film to be screened at the festival.

Subhashish Bhutiani said, ""It is made on a budget of Rs 8 to 10 lakh and many people have funded this film. Initially it did require a lot of convincing since it's my first and it's not easy to make your first short in this budget." 8-year-old Shayan Samir plays the title role of Kush in the movie.

He also said he decided to shot the film after hearing the story from his Class-11 economics teacher.

"I am taking a stand against violence, I guess. But otherwise, my film is about the characters and their story. I am not making any political statement," he said

Whether 'Kush' bring Oscar home will be known once the nominees are announced on Janurary 10, 2014.

I am writing to file a complaint and urgent appeal to secure the release of Sikh Prisoners of Conscience who are being deprived of their liberty by being imprisoned in India for years beyond the sentenced term of prison in egregious violation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international law.

Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, a Sikh rights Activist is on continuous hunger strike since November 14 demanding the release of Sikh prisoners of conscience who are being illegally detained and deprived of their liberty by the Government of India.